Clermont edge Racing but Tigers roar

TWO of Europe’s heavyweights collided last weekend and Munster’s Champions Cup rivals Racing 92 just missed out on victory over Clermont at Stade Marcel Michelin.

A Teddy Thomas try kept Racing in touch at the interval, but three quick penalties from Camille Lopez meant Clermont moved 23-11 clear by the 52nd minute. A late penalty try closed the gap for Racing but they ran out of time and slipped to a 23-21 defeat, which sees them tumble to fifth in the standings. They welcome Lyon to Colombes this weekend.

Lyon hosted another of Munster’s pool opponents last weekend as Castres tasted a 31-12 defeat – their fourth from five games this season.

Castres did themselves no favours with the concession of three first-half tries, while they were unable to breach the try-line themselves and had to be happy with three Rory Kockott kicks and another from Yohan Le Bourhis. They face a huge test this weekend when they welcome Clermont to Stade Pierre-Antoine.

In the English Premiership, Leicester Tigers made it two wins in a row as two late George Ford penalties edged the points their way in a 31-28 win against Harlequins. Tries from Telusa Veainu, Jonny May and Greg Bateman kept them in touch with their hosts, while Ford sealed the win with a couple of nerveless kicks in the last 14 minutes.

Champions Exeter Chiefs provide the opposition at Welford Road tomorrow.